LOS ANGELES — Earlier this year a tax pro mentioned the FileThis organizing app to me. Within seconds of installing it, I wondered, “Where has this been all my life?” I have tried an absurd number of software programs that promised to simplify, streamline and de-clutter our family’s...

With the New Year rapidly approaching, it’s a good time to reflect on the past year and think about all the people who have helped you get through it — and how best to show them your appreciation. “The root of the word gratuity is gratitude,” says Daniel...

When her father was diagnosed with a respiratory disease about seven years ago, Joy Frank-Collins juggled her work schedule and parenting demands to maximize the time she spent by his side. Frank-Collins, a 41-year-old who heads her own communications firm in Marietta, Ohio, also coordinated with her siblings...

A few months ago, we suggested getting your tax strategy together before it was time to panic. Well, it’s time to panic. We’re less than a month to the end of 2015 and any plans you have to lessen your tax hit by the end of the year...

Just 17 percent of people comparison shop for their prescriptions to find better deals, a new survey shows. That means 83 percent are potentially paying hundreds of dollars more than necessary each time they fill a prescription, according to Consumer Reports. The nonprofit found that medications can cost...

There’s no arguing that Target has a loyal following among many shoppers. While the retail giant may not always have the lowest prices, it certainly attracts consumers happily willing to pay a little extra to avoid the crowded aisles of some other discounters. But there are certain items...

Are you considering converting your home’s garage into a man cave? Before you permanently ditch parking and storage space in exchange for a testosterone-friendly getaway, you may want to consider this: your garage man cave project could hurt your home’s value and make it harder to sell. Turning...

WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen told Congress Thursday that economic conditions appear to be improving enough for policymakers to raise interest rates when they meet in two weeks — as long as there are no major shocks that undermine confidence. Yellen said that even after the...

NEW YORK — The S&P 500 suffered its biggest drop since late September on Thursday as the European Central Bank disappointed market hopes for greater stimulus. The ECB move triggered a spike in the euro that caught investors by surprise, forcing them to shift positions that hit most...

WASHINGTON — U.S. service sector activity slowed in November but remained at levels consistent with a steady pace of economic growth for the fourth quarter, a business survey showed Thursday. Other data reported a small increase in first-time applications for unemployment benefits last week, but planned job cuts...